Palace: We’re ready for El Niño

MANILA — It’s heating up fast in the metro and Malacanang is ready to implement its plans to make Pinoys more comfortable when El Niño officially strikes.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said said in an interview with radio station dzRB that the government has been preparing with the concerned agencies for El Niño since January, which was included in the Philippine Development Plan.

“Food supply is the main priority of the Department of Agriculture. Under the 2015 budget, there are concrete programs to ensure food supply in case of calamities or disasters such as [crop] diversification,” Coloma said.

Coloma also assured the public that “there is no need to worry” about water supply and rationing.

“There is no such discussion. There is no need to worry,” he said, adding that the public must also “ensure discipline in the use of water.”

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydrologist Richard Orendain also informed the public that the water level in Angat Dam will reach its critical level around August. Matters could be even worse if people don’t use water sparingly. Angat Dam provides potable water to 97% of Metro Manila.

According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), El Niño will most like begin in June 2014 and last until the first quarter of 2015. Despite the dry spell, the Philippines will still encounter its share of typhoons.